Pakistan train hijacking: Baloch Liberation Army holds 450 passengers hostage in Balochistan attack

A passenger train traveling from Quetta to Peshawar came under attack on Tuesday when armed militants stormed the Jaffar Express near Sibbi in Balochistan, Pakistan. According to local authorities, the train was stopped in the mountainous Bolan region after militants fired at it, leading to casualties and a hostage situation involving over 450 passengers.

The Baloch Liberation Army (BLA), a banned separatist group, has claimed responsibility for the hijacking. The attackers reportedly bombed the railway tracks before taking control of the train. Security officials confirmed that a clearance operation is underway to rescue the passengers and neutralize the militants.

Fatalities and Injuries Confirmed Amid Ongoing Operation

Local authorities reported that the train’s driver was killed in the attack, while multiple passengers sustained injuries. AK Shaheen, the Media Coordinator for Sibbi District, confirmed that security forces have launched an operation to regain control of the train. Three militants have reportedly been killed in the ongoing exchange of fire, though independent verification of these claims remains pending.

“Over 450 passengers onboard are being held hostage by gunmen,” said Muhammad Kashif, a senior railway official based in Quetta. Officials also confirmed that around 30 military personnel were present on the train when it was hijacked.

Rescue Efforts Underway as Security Forces Surround Hijackers

Emergency response teams, including security forces and ambulances, have reached the location. An emergency relief train has also been dispatched to assist in the ongoing rescue mission. However, the mountainous terrain of Bolan Pass—where the train was intercepted—has made the operation highly challenging.

A senior police official, speaking on condition of anonymity, confirmed that the Jaffar Express remains stuck near Tunnel No. 8, an area surrounded by mountains that offer natural cover for militants. Hospitals in surrounding areas have been placed on high alert to treat potential casualties from the attack and subsequent operation.

BLA Militants Suspected of Foreign Links

Security sources have alleged that the attackers may be in contact with facilitators abroad. Pakistani authorities have long accused Baloch separatist groups of receiving support from foreign actors to destabilize the region. The government has vowed to continue its counterterrorism operations until the militants are neutralized.

“Terrorists stopped the Jaffar Express in a tunnel and have taken the passengers hostage. Despite being far from major roads, security forces have cordoned off the area and started a clearance operation,” a senior security official said.

Balochistan Faces Rising Wave of Militancy

The hijacking comes amid an escalation in militant attacks in Balochistan, a province that has witnessed frequent insurgent violence in recent months. The Baloch Liberation Army, which seeks independence from Pakistan, has been behind multiple deadly attacks targeting both security forces and civilians.

In recent years, Baloch separatists have increasingly targeted infrastructure projects, including railway lines and roads, as part of their armed struggle. The latest attack underscores the deteriorating security situation in the province and raises concerns over the safety of critical transport networks.

Pakistan’s Counterterrorism Challenge Intensifies

The incident has prompted renewed calls for stronger counterterrorism measures to protect civilian infrastructure from militant attacks. The government has pledged swift action against those responsible, emphasizing that hostage-taking of innocent passengers, including women and children, demonstrates the brutality of terrorist groups.

As the clearance operation continues, security forces remain engaged in negotiations and armed confrontations with the hijackers. Authorities have assured that all necessary measures are being taken to ensure the safe evacuation of passengers and bring those responsible to justice.